Neurological examination
This is especially true of the psychoneuroses. To avoid misunderstanding it is well to speak the language which the patient understands best. While a neurologist may be to make a psychological test the determination of intelligence quotients in mental defectives had better be left to trained psychologist.
Every patient, no matter whether one is confused with an obvious psychosis or equally obvious psychoneurosis should receive a careful neurological examination. In fact the more convinced one is that the case is functional, (Read on …)
Delusion and Hallucinations
Both delusion and hallucinations frequently coexist and one may bring either to the surface or judicious inquiry for the one or the other. Many patients in fact most neurotic complain of loss of memory. A little inquiry immediately reveals the emptiness of the complaint. Such patients suffer from want of attention (there are too self-centered): therefore they do not remember. Memory consists of attention (association), retention and spontaneous recollection. In true memory defect there is no retention, no power of association of ideas in order that they be retained and obviously no (Read on …)
Various Deviations
Also due to want of the cerebella check element (and hypotonic), the knee jerk become pendulous swinging back and forth instead of stopping after one or two kicks. Finally, ataxia is brought out with the patient in the recumbent position by the heel to knee test. With eyes open and closed he is asked to raise the foot high, touch the knee and carry the heel along the shin. The ataxia can also be demonstrated by asking the patient to touch an object with his toes. (Read on …)